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What You Can Do

Can You Help?

Yes! You can be a stormwater steward. That means in simple, every day activities, like bagging your pet’s waste or taking your car to a commercial wash, you can help keep harmful pollutants out of our waterways.

How to Prevent Stormwater Pollution:

Use fewer lawn chemicals and don't water right away. Try using compost instead of chemical fertilizer. Don't water after applying lawn chemicals and don't apply them before a heavy rainfall is predicted.

Clean up after your pets. Carry disposable bags while walking your dog so you can pick up and dispose of pet waste in the trash. In your own yard, pick up pet waste, bag it and put it in the trash. Leaving it in the grass sends unsafe bacteria into the storm drains when it rains.

Recycle used oil. Find an oil recycling center near your home or work to properly dispose of used oil. Johnson County has more than 30 used-oil recycling sites, such as gas stations, automotive supply stores and lubrication service centers. For a list of sites, go to www.recyclespot.org

Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than washing them off with the hose. Remove grass clippings, dirt and other debris and dispose of it properly.

Use a commercial car wash to minimize the effects on the environment . If you wash your car at home, do it on the grass. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners only. Use a spray nozzle to save water.